The Secretary to the Prime Minister has offered to hold discussions with the railway trade unions over their proposed strike.

The President of the Railway Controllers' Union, Lal Ariyarathna told us that the discussion is scheduled to be held this afternoon.

Railway Trade Unions announced on Monday that they will launch a 48-hour token strike with effect from midnight tonight.

They urging the authorities to rectify the existing salary anomalies.

Ariyarathna further said that locomotive engine drivers, station masters, controllers and railway guards are scheduled to participate in the proposed strike.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the National Transport Commission, M. A. P. Hemachandra said that the Commission is prepared to provide necessary transport facilities if the railway workers launch the strike.

Meanwhile, Transport Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said that the issue cannot be settled at the Ministry level.